Saturday, December 1, 2012

First Sunday of Advent 2012

I posted this a couple years ago, but the message is still true, and I wanted to share it with those who may not have seen it then.

Once again, it's Advent - the weeks before Christmas in which we take time to remember what Christmas is really all about - the birth of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the promise of a Redeemer.

"...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'" - Matthew 1:20-21

From Ligioner.org:

"Matthew Henry comments that Jesus saves His people “from the guilt of sin by the merit of his death, from the dominion of sin by the Spirit of his grace. In saving them from sin, he saves them from wrath and the curse, and all misery here and hereafter.” We often focus on the role of Jesus’ death in saving us from guilt, but let us never forget that He also died so that by His Spirit we might be empowered to live in a manner that pleases Him."

Besides daily Scripture reading, one of my favorite parts of Advent is the singing of carols. One of those I've learned in the past few years is 'Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,' which seems like an odd title...until you're read the lyrics.

So, I'm posting the lyrics first, then the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, singing the carol.

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree

His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
I missed of all but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

I have never heard that song before. It is quite beautiful in melody and meaning. Thanks for sharing it, Judy!! I enjoy the traditional carols during the Christmas season, and am sorry that we don't sing many of them in church anymore. Traditions have shifted. I prefer those from my childhood! :)

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